NBA Trade Rumors: Golden State Warriors Expected to Pursue $19.5 Million Boston Celtics Star Amid Jonathan Kuminga Uncertainty

The Golden State Warriors are predicted to target veteran big man Al Horford this offseason, but their ability to finalize a deal largely depends on the ongoing contract situation with Jonathan Kuminga.

Al Horford’s Potential Fit in the Golden State Warriors

The five-time All-Star and NBA champion is approaching the twilight of his career and is unlikely to return to the Boston Celtics, who are entering a retooling phase. At 39 years old, Al Horford is expected to prioritize a second championship before retirement, making Golden State an appealing destination.

Dan Favale of Bleacher Report believes Golden State is positioned to sign Al Horford to a two-year, $11.7 million deal, which would include a player option for the 2026-27 season.

However, Favale stressed that the final figure may depend on how the Warriors resolve Kuminga’s free agency.“Depending on how the JK soap opera plays out, the Warriors could need to change up their offer,” Favale wrote. “If Kuminga proves to be ultra-expensive, it might leave them with only the veteran’s minimum to dangle. If he leaves or gets moved in a sign-and-trade, they could technically access the entire non-taxpayer mid-level exception.

Count on the middle ground winning out again, and the 39-year-old joining Golden State for the taxpayer’s mid-level exception.

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The Golden State Warriors’ Financial Picture

The Golden State Warriors’ cap situation is complicated, especially with the new collective bargaining rules creating limitations for high-spending teams. If they lock Kuminga into a deal, they are expected to fall between the first and second luxury tax aprons. This would still give them access to the taxpayer mid-level exception, which could be used to secure Horford.Here’s a breakdown of the predicted offer:

Kuminga’s Contract Standoff

According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, Golden State has reportedly tabled a two-year, $45 million deal for Kuminga, including a team option in the second season. The 21-year-old forward, however, is pushing for a player option instead, which would allow him to test unrestricted free agency next summer.If negotiations stall further, a sign-and-trade remains a possibility.

Until Kuminga’s future is settled, the Warriors will be unable to make a firm commitment to Horford.

What’s Next for the Warriors?

The Golden State Warriors’ offseason hinges on how quickly they can resolve the Kuminga situation. Once that piece falls into place, they will be able to turn their attention to Al Horford, who could add veteran leadership, floor spacing, and playoff-tested experience to a roster seeking to maximize Stephen Curry’s championship window.Also read: NBA Trade Rumors: Los Angeles Lakers Predicted to Trade $101 Million Star to Bolster Squad Amid Shifting Team PrioritiesFor now, Golden State continues to balance the immediate need to retain young talent with the pursuit of a proven veteran who may help them contend once more.